18 Jun 2018
17 Jun 2018
FT8 and the Reverse Beacon Network
Quite a few use the RBN to see where their signals get even if they get no response on SSB and CW CQs. I have used it myself with QRP CW. Southgate News reports there are moves afoot to also spot FT8.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/june/the-reverse-beacon-network-and-ft8.htm#.WyaAVPZFxMs
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/june/the-reverse-beacon-network-and-ft8.htm#.WyaAVPZFxMs
White storks - NOT amateur radio
Rarely, we see these migrating passing through the UK. The last UK one I saw was probably in the 1980s whilst I was getting dressed at the end of April. Over here, in Lithuania, they seem very common.
See https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/b/wildlife/archive/2012/04/26/something-to-stork-about.aspx .
D-STAR zzzz
D-STAR is ICOM's proprietary digital modulation system. Sadly, it leaves me cold. OK, each to their own, but I just can't get exited over it or Yaesu's equivalent. I suspect this will play out like the VHS and Betamax video war in the 1980s. In the end one system will win and be adopted. Until then, thank you, I'll just watch.
16 Jun 2018
Network radios
Both PW and RadCom have articles in recent editions on network radios.
These look like conventional mobiles or portables with a PTT and an antenna (in the case of portables) but they connect to the internet, usually as the units are Android devices. They link to apps like Zello and Echolink, so can link to repeaters and amateurs elsewhere on the planet e.g. a mobile in Australia.
In reality they feel like conventional radios on 2m or 70cms. They can use 3G or 4G cellular networks or wifi. Apparently data only SIMs are very low cost. Not having used one I cannot comment.
With worsening HF conditions, these may appeal to many. Using the internet means that QSB and local noise are not problems and big antennas are not needed. Purist will ask, "is this real amateur radio?".
These look like conventional mobiles or portables with a PTT and an antenna (in the case of portables) but they connect to the internet, usually as the units are Android devices. They link to apps like Zello and Echolink, so can link to repeaters and amateurs elsewhere on the planet e.g. a mobile in Australia.
In reality they feel like conventional radios on 2m or 70cms. They can use 3G or 4G cellular networks or wifi. Apparently data only SIMs are very low cost. Not having used one I cannot comment.
With worsening HF conditions, these may appeal to many. Using the internet means that QSB and local noise are not problems and big antennas are not needed. Purist will ask, "is this real amateur radio?".
Stockholm, Sweden - NOT amateur radio
Stockholm in Sweden is a beautiful city built on several islands. It is one of my favourites. This morning we did a city tour and we revisited the Vasa Museum this afternoon. We ate at a Chinese buffet this evening. Wide choice and all you could eat for 451 krona (total cost for 2) including a couple of glasses of wine. Excellent value for 2 of us.
14 Jun 2018
5T2AI on 6m FT8
As well as D41CV in the Cape Verde Islands, I see that 5T2AI in Mauritania is being spotted on 6m FT8 this morning.
Bigger 6m in CEPT countries?
Apparently CEPT is discussing 6m as part of the agenda of its meeting this month in Tallinn. I cannot imagine this will be a high priority, but it would be good if CEPT had a common (and favourable) view on the 6m amateur band before WRC-19 next year.
It would also be good if all CEPT nations allocated the 4m band. The number of countries on 4m has increased in recent years.
It would also be good if all CEPT nations allocated the 4m band. The number of countries on 4m has increased in recent years.
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